Vol. 4 Issue 5, April 30, 2020
Hamilton's Labour Market Connection
Your weekly news & updates from WPH!
In this week's edition: Hamilton Businesses share their stories, Job posting availabilty in Hamilton, Resiliency in employment during COVID, Hamilton LMI March, 2020.
Hamilton Businesses Share Their Stories
Cafe Oranje
Cafe Oranje has been operated by its current owners since 2016. A chic little Dutch-inspired coffee shop featuring specialty espresso-based drinks, snacks, light food, and bulk coffee/tea available for purchase has been drastically impacted by COVID-19.

On March 16, Cafe Oranje closed their doors due to COVID-19. As a dine-in spot where people normally spend time catching up over coffee and a light bite, Cafe Oranje is coming to terms with the changes and new approach before reopening in the coming days.

The coffee shop which normally allows customers to sit in and enjoy can no longer do so, instead offering take away options, only 2 customers in at a time for physical distancing, and hope to takes online orders in the near future. Bulk orders of coffee and tea are still available too.

The coffee shop will reopen May 5th - located downtown Hamilton at 321 King Street E. Consider popping in to grab a coffee to go & welcome them back as they open their doors and try to navigate this new Hamilton.

Check out the delicious drinks & food and how they will be keeping customers safe here: Cafe Oranje Website
Niko Apparel
Niko Apparel has been making customized sports team wear since 1996 out of Hamilton.

The sportswear has been put on hold as Niko Apparel  has partnered with HHS and McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering to develop hospital-grade surgical masks.

More than 10,000 masks are now being manufactured weekly with hopes to increase these numbers.

New machinery was purchased and manufacturing has shifted as new materials are being sourced to create both surgical type masks and community reusable/washable masks.

Some of the masks manufactured are currently awaiting certification from Health Canada - so from all of Hamilton we wish you success in your certification and future operations.

Niko Apparel masks are currently available for community members to place an order as well.

The team is also looking for more workers so if you or someone you know is looking for work you must have the skills and desire to learn - click here to contact Joe from Niko Apparel for more information.
What's Happening In The Labour Market?
April Job Postings
With COVID-19 spreading through the world the job availability locally has become more limited. There has been a decline in the number of job postings in Hamilton over the last few months compared to the same time during the previous year. The chart below depicts the changes in the available job posts.
Available Job Postings

Although there is a decrease in the number of available job posting that does not mean there are no jobs available. There are still opportunities for people in Hamilton to find work, with over three thousand job postings still available in our city. The chart below narrows down the available job postings for each occupation for April 1-28, comparing 2020 to 2019. For example, the demand for Transport truck drivers has actually increased from the previous year.
Canadian Economic Clock is Ticking

 The Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (CSBC), a joint effort between Statistics Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, provides the most detailed insight yet into the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian businesses through a survey of over 13,000 businesses.
  • 80.9% have experienced a medium to high drop in demand for services or products
  • Only 32.1% say they could remain open longer than 6 months amid social distancing
  • 40.5% have laid off staff
  • 45.4% of businesses are using new methods to interact with customers
Resiliency: Telling Your Story During a Pandemic
When it comes time to talk about this period of our lives, what will we say?

People in roles such as Professional Resume Writing, HR and Career Professional Community provide a list of suggestions and hopefully, they will inspire you to take notice of your own strengths thus far or inspire you moving forward.

Hamilton Labour Force Information:
March 2020

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Economic Development, and the Flamborough and Stoney Creek Chambers of Commerce, are closely monitoring and assessing new developments pertaining to COVID-19, as well as its impacts on Hamilton business.

Workforce Planning Hamilton | 905-521-5777| [email protected] | www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca